The Saudi Telecommunication Authority has embarked on implementing its operational plan for the upcoming Hajj season, with a notable increase of 37 percent in 5G coverage compared to the previous year.
Dr. Muhammad Al-Tamimi, the commissioner of the authority, revealed that comprehensive reviews of telecommunication services provided by service providers in Makkah and the Holy Mosques have been conducted. Impressively, the average downloading speed in Makkah has reached 255 megabytes per second, while in Madinah Munawara, it stands at 292 megabytes per second.
To facilitate the pilgrimage experience, Wi-Fi facilities have been extended to 10,500 locations across Makkah Mukarramah, Madinah Munawarah, and Mushaira Maqdisa. This substantial expansion aims to ensure seamless connectivity for Hajj pilgrims during their spiritual journey.
Furthermore, significant infrastructure improvements have been made, with the addition of 6,200 telecommunication towers this year, alongside the installation of 4,000 towers to bolster 5G technology. These enhancements reflect the commitment of the Saudi Telecommunication Authority to provide pilgrims with reliable and high-speed connectivity throughout their pilgrimage.
In parallel, the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs has extended a warm welcome to 145 royal guests from nine countries, who are participating in the Hajj pilgrimage under the auspices of the Custodians of the Two Holy Mosques. This initiative underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to facilitating the Hajj journey for pilgrims from diverse backgrounds and nationalities.
Reports indicate that a total of 1,750 royal guests from 75 countries have arrived in Makkah, with special invitations extended to 3,322 pilgrims from 88 countries worldwide. Notably, among the invited pilgrims are 2,000 families of martyrs and injured individuals from Palestine, as well as 22 parents of Siamese children who were successfully separated in Saudi Arabia.
As part of its efforts to ensure inclusivity, the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs has announced that the Hajj Sermon will be broadcast in 20 languages, including Urdu, catering to the diverse linguistic needs of pilgrims.
The ministry has diligently completed all necessary procedures for the implementation of the royal decree, working closely with the program’s general secretariat in coordination with embassies and religious attachés of the ministry abroad. This meticulous planning and execution reflect Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to facilitating a seamless and spiritually enriching Hajj experience for pilgrims from around the world.
